AMES, Iowa -- International opera singer Simon Estes continues his artist-in-residency in the Iowa State University music department March 20-April 1.

He will discuss "Breaking Barriers: An African-American in South Africa" at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Memorial Union Sun Room, and "Creating New Roles" at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in Tye Hall, Music Building. Both lectures are free and open to the public.

Estes' residency will culminate in a performance at Stephens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Estes will join the ISU Symphony Orchestra and ISU Choirs in performing Johannes Brahms' "Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem)." Estes and music faculty member Janet Alcorn will be featured soloists during the concert.

A panel discussion at noon Tuesday, March 21, in 130 Music Hall will focus on the "Requiem." Panelists will include Estes, music faculty members Alcorn, Mark Laycock and Robert Molison, and WOI Radios Rachel Jeffreys. The audience is invited to bring a sack lunch for this "Lunch and Learn" presentation.

A lecture by Laycock, director of orchestral activities, will precede the Saturday "Requiem." Laycock will offer insights into the genesis of the "Requiem," its place in the composers career and its important musical features during the 6:45 p.m. lecture in Stephens.

Another chance to catch Estes will be at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, when he will appear at the Midwest Childrens Choir Festival, held at Stephens Auditorium.

Tickets for either performance are $10 ($5 for seniors, students and children under 18) and available at the Iowa State Center box office, (515) 294-3347.

Born in Centerville, Estes is an internationally acclaimed bass-baritone who has appeared at the worlds major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Opera de Paris and the state operas of Berlin, Munich and Vienna. He is a regular guest at international festivals and has performed with leading international orchestras.

Estes was on campus for two weeks in September, teaching, lecturing and performing. During the second half of his artist-in-residency, Estes will give vocal master classes, meet with performing arts students and speak at an ISU Scholars and Leaders event.